2016 AC kayak setups ???

I use the bed extender for short trips and use thule xsporter if long trip where bedspace is needed for bikes or camping gear. I really need to snap a pic of the RC loaded up with 12' kayaks up top over cab/bed with bikes on rec hitch rack

 

Damn fine looking work! I am sincerely jealous.

 

There are a few options on Amazon that are similar. I have the lund one and it works great for my PA14. It looks like the price has double since I bought it.

TMS T-NS-HITCH-BED-EXTENDER Heavy Duty Pickup Truck Bed Hitch Mounted Extender Rack Ladder Canoe Boat

https://www.amazon.com/TMS-T-NS-HIT...8&qid=1472839612&sr=8-5&keywords=bed+extender

Lund 601021 Hitch Mounted Truck Bed Extender, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Lund-601021-...&qid=1472839612&sr=8-10&keywords=bed+extender

 

I also modified an old boat trailer that I pull with my Yaris when I don't want to take the truck.

 

What length are your bars?

 

If you don't want them hanging out the bed a bedrack is going to be your best bet.

Or a trailer.

 

If I take all four kayaks this works. The 17' is the pain tho

 

I don't remember the original length, but I cut them to 72". In hindsight, 74" would probably have been just right.

 

13 ft yak in a short bed, I got the hitch extender from Lowe's for $70 they have reflectors on them but you could even wire lights pretty easily

 

I just toss mine in the bed with the gate down.

Sorry I'm no help here.

 

Thule xsportr for the win!

 

If you lower the bars, what is the lowest they'll go? When I look at my 2017, it looks like the front bar cannot lower much due to the wheel wells.

Yea, I noticed you were having to use material to prevent rubbing damage. 66" is the standard length so I figured yours were quite a bit longer.

 

Mine will only go down just over the cab height. The bars hit the inside of the bed. They will not go down below cab level..

 

Thanks gator. That's what I figured.

 

This held up this weekend driving 2 hours away for some camping.

 

Nice. As far as those J cradles are you should not need those straps though. Just another point for those straps hitting the paint job. I haul two 12 footers on top of my Yaris sometimes and I don't need front or rear straps and I usually run for 5 hours on the interstate

 

That's good to know. The straps did leave some marks but they buffed out easily. I'll try it without the straps when I take them to the bay this weekend. Thanks for the heads up!

 

You could tie the back straps to a point inside the bed. REI sells some tie down points that can be bolted just under the hood so no paint rub problems there either.

 

Thanks! I'll for sure look into those. I have to go there this week. Thanks for the feedback!

 

I disagree I think it's important to use the straps in the event of rack failure. There is a tremendous amount of force placed on the racks when driving highway speed. The straps not only hold the boat down but also the rack itself. I know there are not many rack failures but you do come across them them every once and a while on an internet posting. If the rack does fail the straps might buy you a few extra seconds to get off the road and minimize the damage. I use pieces of micro fiber towel where the straps touch the paint to cut down any marking. Just my 2 cents. Happy paddling!